Explore the World from Your Couch Before Going In-Person

1: Why Use Virtual Tour Apps?

Before we dive into the best virtual tour apps, let’s talk about why they’re so awesome for couples planning trips:

1. Preview destinations: See places before you go, helping you decide where to visit.
2. Plan better: Understand the layout and attractions of a place in advance.
3. Build excitement: Get pumped for your upcoming trip by exploring virtually.
4. Learn together: Discover interesting facts about destinations as a couple.
5. Save money: “Visit” places you might not be able to afford in person.
6. Relive memories: Revisit places you’ve been to before.
7. Date night idea: Use virtual tours as a fun, travel-themed date night activity.

2: What to Look for in a Virtual Tour App

Not all virtual tour apps are created equal. Here’s what to look for in the best virtual tour app:

1. High-quality visuals: Clear, detailed images or videos.
2. User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate and use.
3. Wide range of destinations: Lots of places to explore.
4. Interactive features: Ability to move around and zoom in.
5. Information provision: Interesting facts and details about the places you’re viewing.
6. Regular updates: New content is added frequently.
7. Compatibility: Works well on your devices (phones, tablets, computers).
8. Price: Free or affordable options are available.

Now, let’s explore some of the best virtual tour apps for couples planning trips!

3: Google Earth VR – The World at Your Fingertips

Google Earth VR is like having the entire planet in your living room:

How it works:

1. Put on a VR headset (if you do not have one, look at our recommended list below) or use it on your computer.
2. Choose any place in the world on Google Earth VR – link above.
3. Fly there instantly and explore in 3D.

Key features:

• Realistic 3D renderings of cities and landmarks
• “Guided Tours” of famous places
• Street View integration for ground-level exploration
• Ability to “fly” over landscapes

4: Google Arts & Culture – For the Art and History Loving Couples

If you and your partner are into art and history, Google Arts & Culture is a must-try:

How it works:

1. Open the Google Arts and Culture app or website – link above.
2. Choose from thousands of museums, artworks, and historic sites.
3. Take virtual tours or view high-resolution images of artworks.

Key features:

• Virtual tours of famous museums and galleries
• “Art Camera” for ultra-high-resolution artwork views
• Thematic collections and stories
• AR (Augmented Reality) features for some exhibits

5: Ascape VR – 360° Videos for Immersive Experiences

Ascape VR offers beautiful 360° video tours of destinations worldwide:

How it works:

1. Download the Ascape VR app on your smartphone – link above.
2. Choose a destination or type of experience.
3. Move your phone around to explore the 360° environment.

Key features:

• High-quality 360° videos
• Wide range of destinations and experiences
• Works with or without a VR headset
• New content added regularly

6: YouVisit – Comprehensive Virtual Campus Tours

If you’re planning to visit colleges or universities, YouVisit is the best virtual tour app:

How it works:

1. Go to the YouVisit website – link above.
2. Search for a school you’re interested in.
3. Take a guided or self-guided virtual tour of the campus.

Key features:

• Detailed tours of hundreds of college campuses
• 360° views of key campus locations
• Information about programs and student life
• Some tours have student guides

7: Sites in VR – For Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration

Sites in VR let you explore less common tourist destinations:

How it works:

1. Download the Sites in VR app on your smartphone – link above.
2. Choose a country or type of site.
3. Explore 360° photos of various locations.

Key features:

• Focus on unique and less-touristy locations
• Works with or without a VR headset
• Offline mode available
• Includes both exterior and interior views

8: Roundme – User-Generated Virtual Tours

Roundme offers a mix of professional and user-generated virtual tours: The Kingdom of Entertainment for Adults

How it works:

1. Open the Roundme website or app – link above.
2. Search for a place or browse featured tours.
3. Explore 360° panoramas and move between connected spaces.

Key features:

• Wide variety of locations, including lesser-known places
• Users can create and share their virtual tours
• “Portals” allow movement between different panoramas
• Works on web browsers and mobile devices

9: AirPano – For Breathtaking Aerial Views

If you love bird’s-eye views, AirPano is the best virtual tour app for you:

How it works:

1. Visit the AirPano website – link above.
2. Choose from their collection of 360° aerial panoramas and videos.
3. Explore stunning views from above.

Key features:

• High-quality aerial photos and videos
• Covers both natural wonders and urban landscapes
• Informative articles accompany each panorama
• New panoramas are added weekly

10: Geoguessr – For the Adventurous Couples

Geoguessr turns virtual exploration into a fun guessing game:

How it works:

1. Open the Geoguessr website – link above.
2. You’re dropped into a random Google Street View location.
3. Guess where in the world you are based on what you see.

Key features:

• Turns exploration into a challenging game
• Uses real Google Street View imagery
• Different game modes and difficulty levels
• Can play solo or compete with others

11: NASA Virtual Tours – For the Space Enthusiast Couples

f you and your partner dream of space travel, NASA’s virtual tours are out of this world:

How it works:

1. Visit NASA’s virtual tours website – link above.
2. Choose from various NASA facilities and space-related experiences.
3. Explore through 360° views and videos.

Key features:

• Tours of NASA facilities and the International Space Station
• High-quality images and videos
• Lots of educational information
• Some AR (Augmented Reality) features

12: Smithsonian Virtual Tours – For Museum Lovers

The Smithsonian offers virtual tours of its world-famous museums:

How it works:

1. Go to the Smithsonian’s virtual tour page – link above.
2. Choose a museum or exhibit.
3. Explore through 360° views and close-up object examinations.

Key features:

• Tours of multiple Smithsonian museums
• Ability to zoom in on artifacts for detailed views
• Accompanying information for each exhibit
• New content added regularly

13: 360 Cities – For City Exploration Enthusiasts

360 Cities offers panoramic views of cities and landmarks worldwide:

How it works:

1. Visit the 360 Cities website – link above.
2. Search for a city or landmark, or browse their collections.
3. Explore high-resolution 360° panoramas.

Key features:

• A huge database of panoramas from around the world
• The mix of aerial and street-level views
• User-generated content for unique perspectives
• Timelapse panoramas of some locations

14: Virtual Yosemite – For Nature-Loving Couples

Virtual Yosemite offers an incredibly detailed tour of Yosemite National Park:

How it works:

1. Go to the Virtual Yosemite website – link above.
2. Choose from various viewpoints in the park.
3. Explore stunningly detailed 360° views.

Key features:

• Ultra-high resolution images
• Natural sounds accompany the visuals
• Information about each location in the park
• Seasonal views of some locations

15: Putting It All Together – Planning Your Trip with Virtual Tours

Now that we’ve explored the best virtual tour apps, let’s talk about how to use them effectively in your trip planning:

1. Start broad: Use apps like Google Earth VR to get a general feel for your destination.
2. Narrow down: Once you’ve chosen a destination, use more specific apps to explore in detail.
3. Make a list: As you explore virtually, note down places and activities that interest you both.
4. Plan your route: Use virtual tours to understand the layout of cities and attractions, helping you plan an efficient itinerary.
5. Check for updates: Remember that virtual tours might not reflect recent changes, so double-check current information.
6. Use for accommodation: Virtual tours can help you understand the location and surroundings of potential hotels or rentals.
7. Build anticipation: In the weeks leading up to your trip, use virtual tours to get excited and familiarize yourselves with your destination.
8. Learn together: Use the educational aspects of these apps to learn about the history and culture of your destination.
9. Respect differences: If you and your partner have different interests, use virtual tours to find activities you both enjoy.
10. Keep exploring: Even after you’ve planned your trip, continue using these apps to explore other parts of the world for future adventures.

TechieTourist recommended VR equipment

Conclusion:

Virtual tour apps are an amazing tool for couples planning trips. They allow you to explore destinations together, build excitement for your adventures, and make informed decisions about your travel plans. Whether you’re dreaming of strolling through Parisian streets, hiking in national parks, or even exploring outer space, there’s a virtual tour app that can take you there.

Remember, while virtual tours are fantastic for planning and exploration, they’re no substitute for the real thing. Use these tools to enhance your trip planning and to scratch your travel itch when you can’t get away, but don’t forget to step away from the screen and experience the world in person when you can.

So, grab your partner, download some of these best virtual tour apps, and start your digital adventure today. Who knows where it might lead you in the real world!

Happy virtual travels, and here’s to your next real-life adventure!